Novel Technologies in Periprosthetic Joint Infections: Emerging Therapeutics

Abstract

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most challenging complications following total joint arthroplasty, contributing to major morbidities, increased health care costs, and high failure rates of conventional treatments. The gold standard for chronic PJI treatment, the two-stage revision, is associated with prolonged hospitalizations, high attrition rates, and variable success rates, necessitating novel approaches to improve patient outcomes. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, infection control methods, and antibiotic therapies, the incidence and success rates of PJI management have remained largely unchanged over the past decades. This review explores seven emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionize PJI treatment. Electromagnetic induction heating utilizes alternating magnetic fields to selectively heat metallic implants, disrupting biofilms and improving bacterial clearance. Anti-DNA-binding class II human monoclonal antibodies (TRL1068) target bacterial biofilm structures, enhancing antibiotic penetration and immune clearance. Continuous irrigation spacer systems enable localized, high-dose antibiotic delivery directly into the joint, potentially reducing reinfection rates while shortening treatment duration. Antibiotic-loaded ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene offers sustained local antibiotic release, potentially improving infection eradication. Bacteriophage therapy, utilizing viruses that selectively target bacteria, presents a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The ClpP-activating antibiotics induce bacterial protein degradation, effectively targeting biofilm-associated bacteria. Also, photothermal therapy combined with D-amino acids enhances biofilm disruption using gold nanorods activated by near-infrared light. These novel technologies, though still in preclinical or early clinical stages, offer promising avenues for improving PJI treatment. Future research should focus on validating their efficacy and safety through large-scale clinical trials and integrating them into existing treatment protocols. By leveraging these advances, the orthopaedic community may markedly enhance infection management strategies, reduce treatment failures, and improve patient outcomes in arthroplasty. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.